Current Affairs - International

India made history on July 12, 2025, by launching the world’s first Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), a groundbreaking initiative that digitally preserves and protects the country’s ancient medicinal systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and more. The platform uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to analyse, organise, and apply traditional knowledge in modern healthcare. It also aims to prevent biopiracy and promote scientific innovation. The World Health Organisation recognised this achievement as a model for blending traditional wisdom with modern technology. India’s leadership in combining AI with traditional medicine has set a new global standard for health innovation and cultural preservation.

In July 2025, France and New Caledonia finalised a landmark agreement aimed at resolving long-standing tensions over independence. The deal grants New Caledonia more autonomy by establishing it as a state within the French Republic, offering a compromise between full independence and continued integration. The move comes in response to deadly protests in 2024 and seeks to preserve peace while protecting the rights of the Indigenous Kanak population. The agreement includes provisions for dual nationality, voting rights based on residency, and future referendums. Strategically located and rich in nickel, New Caledonia remains crucial to France’s Indo-Pacific presence.

On July 11, 2025, UNESCO recognised three historical sites in Cambodia—Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, M-13 prison, and Choeung Ek Killing Fields—as World Heritage Sites. These places were used by the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979 for torture, imprisonment, and executions, during which nearly 1.7 million people died. This is Cambodia's first inscription of modern historical sites linked to recent conflict and genocide, marking a significant step in acknowledging painful modern history. The move aims to honour victims, educate future generations, and ensure that such tragedies are never repeated. The recognition also promotes peace, remembrance, and healing.

India has been selected by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) to host two prestigious shooting events—the Shooting World Cup in 2027 and the World Junior Championship in 2028. This decision was announced by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on July 10, 2025. The move underscores India's growing influence in global shooting sports and is expected to provide invaluable exposure to both junior and senior Indian shooters. Alongside these events, India is also set to launch the Shooting League of India in November 2025. These initiatives aim to elevate the sport's profile nationally and enhance competitive standards.

Nvidia became the first publicly listed company in the world to reach a $4 trillion market valuation on July 9, 2025. This milestone reflects not only Nvidia’s explosive growth—driven by advances in AI and semiconductor technology—but also the dominance of the tech sector in global financial markets. Nvidia’s share price has surged approximately 1,350% since October 2022, significantly outpacing major indexes like the S&P 500. With its massive influence on indexes such as the S&P 500 and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, Nvidia now plays a pivotal role in shaping market trends and investor sentiment across the technology industry.